I don't own a Starwood timeshare (I'm a happy Hilton owner), so I can't answer all your questions. You'll find everything you ever wanted to know about Starwood in this forum on TUG, the FT for timeshare owners:
http://tugbbs.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=51
I do know developer prices are way too high, and buying resale is the way to go if timeshares fit your lifestyle and vacation preferences.